Tag Archives: 2018 MLB Team Preview

2018 MLB Season Preview: Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs couldn’t repeat as World Series champions last year, but they still had a very good year. They ran into a better Dodgers team in the NLCS and were eliminated in five games.

This Cubs didn’t stand pat this offseason. They made some moves and cut some of the fat by deciding to not re-sign a few starters and let a few bullpen arms walk. They spent wisely by signing starter Yu Darvish to a pretty team-friendly contract. The Cubs did spend $126 million, but many thought Darvish could command a contract near $200 million at the start of the offseason.

 

Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant are perennial MVP candidates for the Cubs. Kyle Schwarber could be a guy on their level, but he has a rough year at the plate. He focused on his fitness this offseason and dropped weight. Will his power still be there?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Chicago Cubs.

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2018 MLB Season Preview: Boston Red Sox

The AL East is always a marathon. A team will need to stay healthy and be consistent over the course of the entire season. Also, the division winner will need to be willing to give up prospects at the trade deadline to acquire talent.

The Boston Red Sox definitely ‘went for it’ by giving up a lot of prospects for starter Chris Sale and it paid off last year. He picked up the slack when other former elite starters Rick Porcello and David Price were replacement-level starters for the Red Sox. Can he strikeout 300+ batters again this season?

Boston is once again in an arms race with the New York Yankees. The Sox had to make a big splash and signed slugger J.D. Martinez after the Yankees added Giancarlo Stanton. The AL East looks to be a two-team race again after the Orioles and Blue Jays took a step back last season.

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Boston Red Sox.

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2018 MLB Season Preview: Baltimore Orioles

Over the last decade, the AL East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The Baltimore Orioles have been right up there with the Yankees and Red Sox in recent memory, but they took a step back last year.

Baltimore didn’t make many moves this offseason. They let some guys walk and didn’t make any big money deals. They could benefit from adding a free agent starter before the season, but they haven’t been tied to any of them.

Baltimore had a disappointing season in 2017 by only winning 75 games. Some young talent made huge strides, but at the same time, some of their high-priced talent didn’t live up to their paychecks. Can they compete for the division with their current roster?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles.

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2018 MLB Season Preview: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have been marking time until their young talent matures enough to compete in the Majors. They haven’t been competitive for a few seasons, but they should start to see their win total increase over the next few seasons.

Atlanta’s rebuild has been going well, but the wheels nearly came off when their former general manager John Coppolella was caught up in a international signing scandal. MLB made an example of him and banned him for life. Former Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos stepped in this offseason.

Anthopoulos is known to have an itchy trading finger. Will this detail their long-term rebuilding plans?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Atlanta Braves.

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2018 MLB Season Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks

Rookie manager Torey Lovullo oversaw a 29-win improvement over the 2016 season. They made the postseason and won the Wild Card game to advance to the NLDS. They did not fare well there as they were swept by the Dodgers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks had one of the most dynamic starting rotations in the Majors. They had a team ERA of 3.66, which was second in the National League. Robbie Ray and Zack Greinke were one of the best 1-2 combos in baseball.

The Diamondbacks lost power hitter J.D. Martinez this offseason. Did they add enough offense to their starting lineup to make up for such a huge loss?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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